“Of course you are.”
Nia looked at him. “Move.”
“You always run to adults.”
“Move.”
He stepped closer instead.
Several nearby students had noticed the argument. Phones began appearing.
Claire said something behind Dylan about Nia finally showing her real personality.
Nia heard it.
That was when she understood.
The project was not the entire goal.
They wanted the reaction.
She looked toward one student recording. Then another.
“You planned this.”
Dylan laughed. “Nobody planned anything.”
Nia pointed toward the broken model.
“She violated an order with you standing here waiting.”
Claire said Nia thought everything was a conspiracy.
Nia started walking around Dylan.
He shifted sideways and blocked her.
“Stop.”
He raised both hands as though innocent. “I’m standing.”
“You’re blocking me.”
Dylan leaned closer.
“Then go the other way.”
Nia turned.
Claire was there.
The two had created a narrow triangle around her.
Dr. Harris was still across the room.
Nia raised her voice. “Get away from me.”
That brought more attention.
Dylan smiled.
“See? Angry again.”
Nia looked directly at him.
“You destroyed my project and blocked me from leaving.”
“I didn’t touch the project.”
“Then move.”
Dylan’s expression changed.
He shoved at her shoulder.
The movement was fast enough that some people missed it.
Nia stepped backward.
“Do not touch me again.”
Dylan spread his arms. “What are you gonna do?”
Nia did nothing.
She stood still.
That should have ended it.
Instead, Dylan swung.
His right hand came toward her face.
Nia leaned away and the punch passed close enough that she felt air beside her cheek.
The room erupted.
Someone shouted Dylan’s name.
Nia moved backward.
“Stop!”
Dylan came forward again.